Very interesting conversation, I have had this discussion with many of my
friends and co-workers. I try to make time to practice my own art, but
that time is very rare. I don't force myself too hard, I want it to stay
enjoyable for me, but I never stop trying to improve and learn. I usually
draw or paint (or whatever) along with my students, sometimes I even sketch
THEM while they are working. I keep my skills up through my teaching. The
way I look at it, teaching art production and appreciation in itself is an
art. Many wonderful artists have a difficult time teaching others and many
wonderful teachers can't draw stick figures. I feel that being a
successful teacher of art takes a balance. I love to learn about and
produce art, but I love even more to pass on my passion for it to children.
I am not a big solitude person and I don't have the desire to spend the
countless hours that are necessary everyday to be successful dedicated to
producing art - but that doesn't mean that I love it any less. My ability
to provide children with meaningful art experiences and knowledge IS my
art. I don't mean to sound like I am inflating my own ego, but I think as
art educators this is true of all of us. There are many different types of
artists. So am I an artist? I think I am.